6-foot-3 Columbia College sophomore point Kai Jordan is in possession of a one syllable first name, a two syllable surname and the combination is just short of perfect for a basketball-playing talent such as himself (alas, Michael was not under consideration as an initial name by his parents).
He recently earned Most Valuable Player honors in the Central Valley Conference. In an iron man display in the Claim Jumpers' recent opening round post season contest, Jordan played all 40 minutes in a 64-48 victory against Cañada College and finished with a 12 point, 12 rebound, five assists stat line that also included three blocked shots and two steals. Next came 25 points alongside six rebounds and five assists during 38 minutes of action in a season-ending loss to Sacramento City.
Columbia's roster shrunk from 14 players at the beginning of the season to a current eight due to injuries and departures and it's imperative everyone, but especially the top talents, not just play major minutes but perform well in their court time allotment for Coach Rob Hoyt. Jordan has accomplished just that.
In 30 contests overall, Jordan is averaging 15.4 points, 7.4 assists and 4.7 rebounds while shooting 50%, 32% and 79% respectively. He is also credited with 48 steals.
Regarding his best basketball skills, Jordan modestly offered, "my finishing, my passing and always my defense."
A younger Jordan played multiple sports (football, baseball and basketball) eventually choosing the latter. But he noted, "At the time, I was better at football." But NFL fans won't have the opportunity of seeing him making his mark as a cornerback or maybe a safety.
"I see myself as a leader" Jordan said in answering a query about one of his roles. "I'm always talking to the team."
His best basketball moment is a unique one. "It was a game this season when I scored 26 points on my birthday." Coach Hoyt is checking to see if additional birthdays can be established for Jordan.
As for influences in his trek through the various stages and levels of basketball, Jordan said, "Definitely my parents for always pushing me, and my brother too. Really my whole family." 6-foot-3 freshman Braeden Jordan joined his brother this season in Sonora. The duo paired off in countless one-on-one matchups while growing up and the younger Jordan must have liked what he heard about Hoyt and Columbia. The thought of teaming up on the court with his brother was also enticing.
Others also received accolades from Jordan for assistance in his basketball journey thus far. "I want to thank God, Coach Hoyt and Assistant Coach Rick Francis."
Jordan sports a 3.0 grade point average and is looking to major in business at the next level. "I want to start a business and that will get me the knowledge I need. 20 years from now, I see myself owning a business, being wealthy and having a family."
He might need to add "retired from playing in the NBA" if all works out well.
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